Energy

This bill directs West Virginia's Office of Energy to develop a comprehensive energy policy and plan covering coal, natural gas, nuclear, renewable, hydrogen, and geothermal sources. It transfers the Office of Coalfield Community Development into the Office of Energy, eliminates outdated duties like the annual coalfield report, and grants the Office new authority to hold stakeholder meetings, set energy-ready community criteria, and designate project sites. The legislation also repeals the 2023 Coal Fired Grid Stabilization Act, merging its provisions into a new "Comprehensive Grid Stabilization and Energy Security Act." The Office must submit annual reports on its findings and develop strategies for multiple energy sectors, including state energy security planning. This restructures state energy policy to embrace diverse energy sources while focusing on stability, cost, and security.

HB 4983 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Commerce to implement a legislative rule for certifying microgrid districts and high impact data centers. The rule, which was drafted and modified after review by the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee, establishes a formal process for businesses and communities to seek these certifications. This rule directly affects developers of microgrids (localized energy systems) and data centers meeting high impact criteria by setting clear certification standards. The bill does not alter the rule's content but officially authorizes its use as a regulatory tool.

SB 648, titled the "Strategic and Critical Resources Act," defines specific minerals (like lithium, cobalt, uranium, and others vital for national security) and establishes statewide regulations for their extraction. It prevents local governments from restricting or regulating extraction activities or facility development outside urban areas, reserving this authority for the state and federal governments. The bill also prohibits foreign adversaries (as defined by federal law) from owning, controlling, or operating facilities related to these resources. It explicitly states that federal environmental and health laws remain fully applicable, and does not affect standard business licenses or taxes. This bill directly affects mining companies, local governments, and foreign entities seeking to develop these critical resources in West Virginia.

HB 5648 updates West Virginia's electrical power regulations to prioritize consumer interests and modernize utility oversight. It requires utilities to notify customers before rate increases and hold public hearings for significant rate changes affecting large customer groups. The bill exempts small portable solar devices from connection agreements, allows customers to generate and store power through distributed programs, and mandates utilities to track customers dependent on life support systems. Additionally, it sets new rules for disconnecting service due to non-payment and requires utilities to develop community energy programs under a subscriber model.